Management Team

Company Management

First Communication’s team of directors, senior executives and operating managers has significant experience in the communications industry and extensive knowledge of its local markets. Members of the First Communications executive management team have more than 70 years of combined experience in managing communications companies. In addition to industry knowledge, the management team has public company operational experience and expertise in integrating acquired facilities.

Margi Shaw, President

Margi serves as President of First Communications, which is a competitive technology and communications provider focused in the Midwest. With broad insight across the information technology, cloud computing and CLEC arenas, Margi continues to diversify and grow the First Communications business. With a strong focus on the customer experience and operational excellence, Margi bridges technology with world class customer service. Prior to joining First Communications, Margi successfully led CIMCO Communications serving as the COO with responsibility for all aspects of CIMCO Communications’ products and services, increasing both revenue and margin. Margi assumed cradle-to-grave accountability with responsibility ranging from Business Planning, Product Development, Engineering, Network Operations, and Service Delivery within CIMCO. Through the transformative stages of CIMCO, Margi has been particularly skilled at building organizational capabilities enabling the business to progress into new categories. CIMCO’s success in the enterprise customer segment resulted in a strategic acquisition by Comcast Business Services in 2010.

Mark Sollenberger, CFO

Mark Sollenberger is Chief Financial Officer of First Communications. Prior to joining First Communications, Mark served as Vice President of Finance for Resolve Corporation, a $400 million publicly held Canadian business process outsourcing company, where he was instrumental in taking the company public in 2006. Mark previously held the position of Director of Finance at Allen Telecom, a $500 million publicly held international manufacturer and distributor of wireless telecommunications equipment and services. Mark received a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Bowling Green State University and a master’s degree in business administration from Kent State University.

Sandi Murphy, SVP, General Counsel

Sandi Murphy is Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of First Communications. Prior to joining First Communications, Sandi was an attorney for The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company and served as Chief Administrative Officer, General Counsel and Secretary of ProCare Automotive. Before transitioning to in-house counsel, Sandi was a partner with Benesch Friedlander and then of-counsel at Jones Day, with practices focusing on corporate, mergers and acquisitions and securities law. She has served as an officer, director and active member of various community organizations. Sandi received a bachelor’s degree, summa cum laude, from Kent State University and a juris doctorate from Vanderbilt University School of Law.

Jamie Rowlands, Vice President, Customer Engagement

Jamie joined First Communications in 2002 and is responsible for all Account Management Revenue growth, churn control, and retention of the entire First Communications’ customer base. Jamie has 28 years of business experience, specifically in the disciplines of Sales Management and Business and Consumer Marketing. Jamie holds an MBA from The Ohio State University, and a B.S. in Business Administration from Miami University. Prior to joining First Communications, he held the position of Major Accounts Manager at Sprint for 4+ years. Jamie has held various Sales and Marketing Management positions at FirstEnergy from 1987 through 1999, including Director of National Sales.

Mark Wons, Vice President, Operations

Mark brings more than 18 years of network operations and engineering to First Communications. Mark is responsible for ensuring the superior quality of the First Communications network so that customers have a first class experience. Mark joined First Communications in 2004 and prior to his current position he held various leadership positions within the organization. Mark started his career as an installation technician with MCI WorldCom after graduating with a degree in Engineering and Electronic Design from ITT.

Ryan Patterson, Vice President, Sales

Ryan is Vice President of Sales for First Communications with responsibility for the Direct and Indirect sales teams as well as the Wholesale Channel. Ryan joined First Communications in 1998 as a Sales Manager. He has held various leadership positions from the Director of Enterprise sales, to the VP of Agent Sales. Ryan has over 23 years of experience within the telecommunications industry. Prior to First Communications, Ryan spent 5 years with WorldCom in Major Account Sales and Sales Management and also served with Sprint as the Director of Sales in the Chicagoland Area. Ryan graduated from Indiana University.